Structural and dielectric/ferroelectric properties of (La1-xNdx)(2)Ti2O7 synthesised by sol-gel route (original) (raw)

A series of compounds with the general formula (La 1 - x Nd x) 2 Ti 2 O 7 (0.0 < x< 1.0) has been prepared by the sol–gel method. The decomposition of the gel was characterized by thermo-gravimetric analysis coupled to mass spectrometry, indicating the reaction is achieved above 850C. The lattice parameters versus x show an expected decrease in the a and b parameters while c and the b angle remain almost unchanged with respect to the monoclinic symmetry conserved for the full solid solution. Dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties were measured on the entire series.